The Matchplay Championship Testimonials

Chris Wall - May 2014 - Dubai Singles Finalist

Hi Tracey, John, Tom, Ian, Ben, Colin and the whole team. Thank you for a tremendous week and as it says on the ‘can’ a lifetime experience. I had the most incredible time in the most incredible surroundings, hotel and course. I must say thank you again from myself and the other competitors. I wish I could of won it for myself but it was an honour to qualify, never mind coming second in a most prestigious golf comp. Can you also thank the camera boys. I met a few people who I’m still in touch with and hope to be for a long time. Thank you is such a little word and doesn't seem to cover how I would like to express myself for last week - is it only last week wow! You know where I’m coming from, I hope this comp goes global, if that's in your plans, just brilliant, anyway thank you from the bottom, middle and top of my heart.

Peter Jones - May 2014 - Dubai Singles Finalist

Well what an event and accomodation for us in Dubai. Superb does not really describe how it was in all aspects. The Marriott Marquis is a fantastic hotel for anyone to stay at.
The Els Club was presented in first class condition and the staff at both venues were a credit to them .

Yourself and the team also were fantastic in all they did for us, a great thank you to them all for this.

Many thanks to all concerned in this superb event which progresses each year, well done !!

Kind regards

Jamie Bryant - May 2014 - Dubai Singles Finalist

I just wanted to take the time, now that we are all back from Dubai, (and back in the real world!) to convey a huge 'thankyou' to everyone involved in the Matchplay Championship competition this year.

The whole experience for me, has been truly superb, from start to finish. The Els course is by far the best (and toughest) course I have ever had the pleasure of playing, and I am so pleased with my 5th place finish.

The hotel was one of the best also, and the service by all during our stay was of the highest level.

The organisation throughout the entire event was fantastic, and my entry is already confirmed for this years' event!

Please pass this on to all concerned, along with my best wishes.

I look forward to trying to get to Dubai again, and hope to see you all there next year!

James Bralee - April 2014 - North Regional Final Qualifier: Mens Pairs

The tournament has been brilliant and a great experience. We’ve had some tough draws and a few play-offs and feel lucky to get through. Obviously we’ve now qualified for the finals and are really looking forward to playing in the final. I’ve played the Forest of Arden course a few times before but I’ve never known it to be in such excellent condition. It was a pleasure to play and I take my hat off to the green keepers, they’ve done a fantastic job.

Ben Wright - April 2014 - North Regional Final Qualifier: Mens Pairs

I haven’t been to Dubai before and it’s going to be a fantastic experience. I felt the pressure at times today and now that we’ve got through I’m looking forward to playing in the final, it should be good fun!

Scott Rigby - April 2014 - North Regional Final Qualifier: Mens Pairs

It’s the first time I’ve played the Forest of Arden and it’s a difficult course but the practice round really helped. It’s also the first time I’ve entered the competition and I was so determined to get through. I can’t believe I’ve qualified for the finals in Dubai

I’ve never been to Dubai before so it’ll be a first for me. You can tell by the number of people taking and by the intensity of the competition that it’s a really big deal to get through to the finals Dubai. It’s probably the top competition in the country and we’re thrilled to be going to the finals.

The course is absolutely fantastic and also very difficult, with greens as good as you can get. Those 40 points were hard work!

Gary Thomas - April 2014 - North Regional Final Qualifier: Mens Pairs

It’s a great day. The greens were lovely and the course was perfect to play. We’re absolutely over the moon and can’t wait to get on the plane and get to Dubai.

Darrel Fone - April 2014 - North Regional Final Qualifier: Mens Pairs

Fortunately we played well together today! Neither of us has been lucky enough to have played in Dubai before and we’ve done a little research on the Els Course and it looks incredible. Our dreams have really come true today.

I found it a really long and tough course. The greens were excellent and the course is really well presented. After playing in winter conditions it was a shock to come to the great conditions at the Forest of Arden. I’ve played in this event for the past six or seven years and made it to the regional finals two years ago but this is the first time I’ve made it through to the UK finals. I’m just delighted to have got through. It just proves that if you keep trying you might eventually succeed. I can’t wait to get to play in Dubai!

I found it really tough out there today. I started off well but then I had a blip in the middle, thankfully I managed to pull it back on track. The greens were really fast and it was hard to get the ball in the hole! I’ve been told the Els Club greens are going to be even faster than they were here so I can only imagine what it will be like to play there in the final. I can’t wait to get on the plane to Dubai!

The course is absolutely fantastic, a beautiful layout with some very tricky holes and the greens were really fast! I had a good day with the putter and enjoyed the competitive company around the course and everyone was in great spirits. I came here two years ago and was weather-beaten in the wind and rain and played a terrible game, so it was great to play in the sunshine and get through to the finals. It was a wonderful experience and I’m really looking forward to playing in Dubai and giving it my best shot.

It’s a tough course, a lot longer than what I normally play at home in Middlesbrough I drove pretty well and putted well but I think luck had a lot to do with it! I’m really looking forward to going out to Dubai, it’s a great competition and I’m sure we’ll be well looked after by the organisers!

It’s the first time I’ve entered the competition after my colleagues recommended I give it a go. I only started playing seriously again about three years ago, so I’m delighted to have qualified for the UK finals. I’d describe my experience as a game of two halves because I played the back nine holes as the front nine and was really cautious on those greens. Then I had a chat with my dad who was my caddy and we decided to adopt a more aggressive approach to the back nine and it seemed to have worked. I’ve never been to Dubai and I can’t wait to play there in the UK finals!

We didn’t think we’d get there this year after we started off very poorly. But only for Sarah who pulled us through at the back of the ninth, did we get through.

Tom Kelly - Feb 2014

I entered this in 2012/2013 and was lucky enough to make the final. This is the best comp out there, five star hotel, fantastic golf course and treated like a pro golfer for the week in Dubai......... Get your entries in quickly!!

John Harrison - Feb 2014

I lost my game at the weekend, but just wanted to thank you for organising a great competition.

I never expected to get as far as I did, I was just hoping to play a couple of decent courses. In the end I had 4 away games, got courtesy on three of them and played with some nice people. Thoroughly enjoyed it, matchplay is my favourite form of the game, and entering again for next year.

Many thanks for all your efforts and good luck with the rest of the competition.

Karen Gray - May 2013

Just wanted to send you a quick email now were home.

Paul and I had the most wonderful time in Dubai and in fact the whole experience starting from our first round match has been amazing. A huge thanks to all your team for their hard work. You made us feel so welcome at forest of Arden and Dubai.

Because of the press release in our local paper people have been comming up asking me about the competition and the Dubai prize so have been filling them all in and told them all to enter ASAP. You just never know.! We never thought for one minute we would get to Dubai.

We met some lovely people and we all seemed to get on really well out there. We had some great laughs.. And have kept in touch since. We're hoping to meet up for golf soon too so we can chat and remember the fun times we had out there. The trip was so special and I will never forget it. Can't wait for the TV programme to see everyone golfing In the sunshine.

Thanks again and will continue to spread the word and get people to enter next years competition.

Well done on all your hard work. I'm sure getting 40 golfers up and ready to go isn't an easy task!

Really hope I see you all again.... Have booked Paul in for some lessons!!!!

John and Rena Earp - May 2013

Just a quick note to thank you for a most enjoyable week in Dubai at the Marriott hotel, it was an unforgettable experience for us all.Even though Mike and Luke didn't win they had already won to go to Dubai and I know they enjoyed both the golf and the holiday as much as we did.

Thanks for all the hard work and organisation.

Jeremy - May 2013

I’d like to thank you all for running a great event & hope to see u all next year!!

Peter and Kathy Clement - July 2012

Now the dust has settled after our fantastic trip to Dubai, Kathy and I would like to add our thanks to everyone involved in what was a fantastically well organised competition.

We cannot speak highly enough about everyone involved from the Matchplay team and sponsors, to the hotel staff and the staff at the Els Club. The treatment the finalists received in Dubai made us all feel how professional golfers must feel; and what a course!

We've entered again this year and are hoping lightning does perhaps strike twice!

Kind Regards

Mike - July 2012

Hi all,

I would like to thank everybody involved with this fantastic competition for organising such a professional event. In Dubai we were treated by all the staff at the Marriot Courtyard Hotel and at the Els Golf Club as though we were top professional golfers. It was a fantastic experience and one that will remain with me forever.

Many thanks to all concerned who made this such a memorable occasion, for all the week to run so smoothly it meant that a lot of people behind the scenes had worked extremely hard. A great week with a great bunch of people and I still cannot believe the texture of those greens.

Joe & Ryan - May 2012

Hey all,

I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone that helped during the knock-out rounds and the finals week in Dubai.

Ryan and I without fail had the best weeks golf of our lives.

I would like to congratulate you on such professionally run tournament and the organization was second to none.

Once again thanks for a great week and I hope to see you again next year.

Kind regards, Joe & Ryan

Steve Hodgson & Kev Blow - May 2012

Kev and myself would like to say a big thank you for the fantastic time we had in Dubai. We must compliment the whole team for the superb work from the knock out stages though regional’s to the finals. Everything ran so well.

The way we were treated in Dubai was just amazing. All of your team, the hotel team, The Els Club team, the TV crew and our fellow competitors made it an experience we'll never forget. We will be trying our hardest to get there again next year.

Regards, Steve Hodgson & Kev Blow

Gillian & Ben Brooks - May 2012

Ben and I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for everything you and the team did for us both before and during our time in Dubai.

We had the most amazing experience and have been encouraging everyone we know to enter.

Regards, Gillian & Ben Brooks

Michael Greenwood - May 2012

Just a quick thank you to you and all the team for a memorable week in Dubai. It has been unforgettable, marvellous and a delight. Everyone was so friendly and the event was very professionally run.

I appreciate your efforts getting me home early and a big thank you to you all. There cannot be a better competition in the UK

Regards, Michael Greenwood

Peter Jones - May 2012

I would like to thank you for the most fantastic week both I and wife had in Dubai, having never been there before…what an experience.

The treatment we all received from The Els Club for the golf and Marriott for the accommodation was superb. Their attitude and courtesy was a pleasure to receive, it is something not very often given in the UK.

Thanks to you all at Matchplay Championships for what you have achieved in obtaining this great venue for the finals, everyone was extremely overwhelmed with it all.

I have a request for 5 byes in the k/o rounds this year!!!!!!

Regards, Peter Jones

Connar Bentley - May 2012

Just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone at Matchplay for the opportunity to play out in Dubai. It was a fantastic week!

I would like to compliment you all on a marvellous tournament and both Gabriel and I did enjoy the experience in Dubai. The course selection, the hotel, the staff in the hotel, and at the course were excellent and the hospitality provided by Louise, and others was as usual to the highest of standards

As a qualifier to a previous event I am in a unique position to compare and as I said in my acceptance speech the event has indeed moved on, and is now an even more enjoyable experience.

As usual the management team was flawless in their ‘on course management’ of the event. We cannot forget the excellent communications in helping us to arrange the various matches which helped us to qualify for the ‘Forest of Arden” and from there to the main event in Dubai.

Regards, Patrick Turtle

Paul Llewellyn - May 2012

I thought I would write you an email to say how much I enjoyed the trip to Dubai. The flight, Hotel, Course were incredible. The team were very welcoming to all that travelled and may I congratulate you on a very good organised event.

I have to admit it was quite humbling to win such a trophy and I can honestly say I will be entering again!!!! Your team were very organised and down to earth unlike other events where they only talk to you if you are a superstar!!

Please pass on my thanks to all concerned.

Regards, Paul Llewellyn

Andrew Taylor and Martin Firth - May 2012

Just a quick note to say Thank you to all your team for making our trip to Dubai one of the most memorable experiences we have had in golf. The staff at The Els club was 1st class. They couldn't do enough for you and presented the course superbly.

The whole competition was very professionally arranged and all the organisers were really down to earth and made you feel at ease (in our tense sky sports moments!!)

Unfortunately we didn't do as well as hoped in Dubai. Nevertheless you couldn't beat the feeling we got when we found out we had qualified for Dubai at the qualifying round at The Forest of Arden. It was the best feeling in the world!!

Regards, Andrew Taylor and Martin Firth

Chris Scott-Douglas & Mike Ankers - May 2012

Well it has been a massive struggle getting back to reality after such a fantastic week in Dubai and I would like to congratulate you all for organising such a fantastic event. It was only natural for Mike & I to have high expectations following on from last year but I can say that you certainly matched, and in some respects exceeded them. The only thing we would ask is if you could make the week go slower somehow!!!?

Our thanks go to everyone who contributed in making it such a successful week, especially those behind the scenes in the UK, at The Els Club and the Marriott, that don't always get the recognition they deserve. As always we enjoyed the company of the sponsors, press guys and camera crew and realise how important they are in making this event happen. I also have to mention Tom & Ian (names correct this year lads!) for their services beyond the call of duty out on the course... and at the bar!

To all the finalists a huge pat on the back for making the final and congratulations to the winners... what a dramatic finish, especially in the Men's (Active) and Mixed doubles! We have made some great new friends and look forward to seeing you soon. On a personal note I would like to thank Mike for his partnership over the week, and for the best moment I have ever experienced on a golf course - his hole-in-one at the 17th on the first day.

Just about to enter next year's Championship... so be warned, "We will be back" to make it 3 in a row.

Regards, Chris Scott-Douglas & Mike Ankers

Tony and Ian - April 2012

Just a few lines to say how much Ian and I enjoyed the competition. The course was fantastic and the greens the fastest I’ve ever encountered. The organisation and facilities were also top notch so well done!

We will be entering next year and hopefully will do better now that we know how stiff the competition is.

Regards, Tony and Ian

Gordon & Christel - April 2012

Just a quick note from Christel and myself to say many thanks for organising yesterday's regional final at Forest of Arden, whilst we didn't qualify we thoroughly enjoyed the event and all the qualifying rounds none of which wouldn't have been as good without the hard work of the organisers, so please pass on our thanks to all the unsung heroes.

We'll definitely be signing up again this year.

Kind regards, Gordon & Christel

Peter and Kathy - April 2012

We would like to say a huge thank you to you and the rest of the Matchplay team for a great day yesterday. Superbly organised, great course and, of course, it helped we played well and are on our way to Dubai. What a fantastic competition to be able to take part in.

Looking forward to seeing the team in Dubai, 4 weeks on Saturday.

Regards, Peter and Kathy

Greg Lang - April 2012

I'd like to thank you and all your team for a very well run Southern Final on Thursday and the overall standard of the competition from the very first rounds to the last. I only wish myself and Neil could have held it together a bit better, out of curiosity we did finish last with our 30 points in the Congu active pairs! Once again thank you very much for a great opportunity, we will definitely be entering again this year!

Trevor and Geoff - April 2012

Thanks for all your help during the qualifying period. The cream on the top was we qualified for Dubai but the whole tournament and especially the day at the Forest of Arden was something special.

All the best, Trevor and Geoff

Jason & Andy - May 2011

All,

We would also like to thank all the organizers/camera crew & all the fellow competitors who made the trip to Dubai such a memorable one. Lets hope it looks as good on TV as it did playing.

Hope to see you all again.

Jason & Andy

Craig Sullivan - Mens Pairs (Non Active) Winner 2011

Hi all,

I just wanted to add my thanks to the organisers, sponsors, the sky team and all for a truly memorable trip of a lifetime. Looking forward to the tv coverage to bring back the memories.

Thanks and hope to keep in touch, preferrably again out in Dubai :)

Craig Sullivan

Jeff & Lynne James - May 2011

Hi Folks

It has taken a good few days to come down to earth!

I would like to say what a wonderful time we all had during our week in Dubai. From the time Stuart & Craig qualified for the Regional Final at St Pierre the organisation and professionalism shown by your Team has been 1st class. It is a brilliant competition for all amateur golfers. To include a non-active section for the golfing enthusiasts who are not able to belong to a golf club is both innovative and inspiring allowing people like Stuart & Craig achieve something they would normally only dream about. For a week the finalists have a chance to become and be treated like the professionals that they all admire.

The flights and transfers to and from the Dubai Marriott Harbour hotel were well organised. The Marriott Harbour Hotel was just fabulous. The staff were courteous and extremely helpful at all times. The food was very good all week. The observatory bar on the 52nd floor was awesome and lastly the Concierge was the best we have ever come across. The Els club was also excellent. The staff at the club were all very helpful and made the competitors and spectators feel very special. They have a fabulous course and set up and when the new clubhouse opens it should be even better. The camera crew were also a great bunch of guys who added to the occasion and we are looking forward to the programme on Sky on 1st June.

Stuart & Craig will certainly be entering again as we want to come back next year. No pressure on them!

Thanks again for making memories for a lifetime!

Jeff & Lynne James

Elliott Bates and Shaun Welch - May 2011

I just wanted to drop you a line of thanks after our trip of a lifetime to the Grand finals at the Els club in Dubai. Myself and Shaun had a fantastic time throughout the whole process of getting to Dubai in the competition.

The professional way in the running of the Matchplay Championship during the knock out rounds was faultless, being at the regional final was an experience and winning our place into the Grand final was amazing, the team and other competitors in Dubai were a great bunch.

Walking into the room in the hotel was exciting enough, and to be in a suite, superb and as for the Els course well, condition of the course, practice areas, staff and service were second to none. I would recommend this to anyone and a number of people i have told about it have already entered for next year. Thanks again for every bit of your time and effort.

Yours sincerely,

Elliott Bates and Shaun Welch

David & Tracy Morris - May 2011

"Guys I would just like to say a big Thank you to you and the rest of the matchplay team for making it such a great event in Dubai last week.

Myself and Tracy had a great time on and off the course and everything was perfect. Last year was great but this year you went one better with how it was run. Dubai was a great place to visit and will stick in the memory bank for a long time.

We have just entered for 2012 and we hope to see you again next year...

Kind RegardsDavid & Tracy Morris"

Paul and Jo - May 2011

"Jo and myself would just like to say a massive thank you for the week we had in Dubai. The Hotel, Golf Course, organisation, weather and all the sights were just out of this world. We met some lovely people and winning the Mixed Doubles was just an added bonus. The highlight for me was going up the Burj Khalifa tower and watching the fountains. We hope to defend the title next year but now knowing how great the prize is its going to be even harder."

Chris and Mike - May 2011

"Dear all,

Still trying to come down after the most amazing week in Dubai, but I just wanted to drop you a quick message on behalf of both Mike 'Lawrence of Arabia' Ankers & I to thank you all for giving us the golfing experience of a lifetime! I feel it will be difficult to put everything into a couple of short paragraphs but will do my best...

It was a real privilege to be part of such a well organised event so our thanks first of all go to the organisers and sponsors. You really deserve a huge pat on the back and can be very proud of making it all happen. Our thanks also to Matt & Ian for being friendly and efficient in their roles as Officials, and to the Press and TV guys for making us look so good (... please be kind on the cutting table guys!). Of course we must mention everyone at The Els Club and the Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel. I don't think we will ever experience service and hospitality like it again.

Finally to all the other competitors who made the week so enjoyable - we have made some great friends and look forward to seeing some of you again in the future. Well done for qualifying for the 2011 Grand Final and congratulations to the Winners in all the categories, especially our last round partners Andy & Andy who's golf was as blistering as the temperatures on the final day! It was a pleasure to watch and also inspired us to play well too.

We have no doubt that based on the success of this years Grand Final that the Matchplay Championship will turn into one of the World's (not Europe's!) largest Amateur golf events.

Bring on the 2011/2012 Qualifying rounds...

Best regards,Chris & Mike"

Chris Scott-Douglas - April 2011

"Firstly apologies for the delaying in writing to you... it has taken several days to come to terms with the fact that Mike & I have made it through to the Grand Final in Dubai!!!

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say how fantastic the day was at St. Pierre last Wednesday. Obviously the weather played its part (...the complete opposite of Tuesday's practice in the wind, mist and rain!) but I have to commend you and the team on how well the event was run. We were made to feel like Pros from start to finish, especially by Tom and his gang as well as the guys from Sky Sports. The course was in excellent condition and the facilities were amazing.

We can't thank you all enough and really look forward to the week in Dubai.

With best regards,Chris"

Chris Ottaway - April 2011

"Both Mark and myself had a great time - a very well organised event at a superb venue.

We both left a few shots on the course and will be working hard to return!!!!!!!!

Well Done and Regards,

Chris Ottaway"

Steve and Emma - April 2011

"Hi All

We just wanted to thankyou for organising the tournament this year - we had a thoroughly enjoyable time playing at a number of different clubs and meeting some great people. Not least of which was the time we spent over the weekend at Hollins Hall.

Unfortunately our golf just wasn't quite good enough yesterday but to miss out by a point given the number of putts we missed was disappointing! We wish the 3 pairs that qualified the best of luck in the Finals.

We are looking forward to playing again next year -when we hope " Team Bravery " can go one step better.

Kind Regards

Steve and Emma

ps. if you hear of anyone struggling for caddies let us know !!"

Mr M Rourke - April 2011

"Just a short note to thank you and the rest of the team for letting Peter and I compete in yesterday’s northern final. Unfortunately we didn’t play to our expectations but have come straight back and entered the 2011/12 competition.

I have played in a lot of National Competitions over the years and can confirm that yours is the best run.

I hope the Final in Dubai runs smoothly and look forward to watching the coverage on Sky later."

Richard Astbury - January 2011

"I just wanted to send an email to say thank you and say how good the competition is and although we have been knocked out congratulate you on how well organised it has been. Thanks and we will definitely be entering again this year!"

Thanks once again...

Bob Gee

"From a competition point of view thank you for all you hard work and the way the comp has been run. Both Michelle and I have had some great games and meet some really nice people along the way. Looking forward to next year.

Once again good luck to our victors, Tracy and David."

Mark McQuoid

“As long as I live I will never forget this experience. As a golfer I never imagined that when I entered this tournament it would bring me to another level in handicap golf. Fantastic memories, met great fellow golfers both in the Matchplay rounds and at the finals.

Anybody that does not consider entering this tournament is missing out on the chance of a lifetime.”

Declan Quigley

“The best sporting experience of my life. A competition that any handicap golfer cannot afford to miss. A week that I would dearly love to repeat. I can’t wait for this year’s competition to begin.

I have no doubt that Matchplay will become one of the most sought after competition on the handicap golfers calendar”.

Cyril Morris

“I never thought at my age and my level of golf I would win a prize in golf that will live long in the memory and that I will talk about for many a year to come. Playing in this tournament was the pinnacle of my golf and can only hope that maybe this opportunity will come again. I have no doubt that within the next year or two this event now going to Dubai will be the premier handicap golf competition in Ireland and the United Kingdom”.

“Watching golf on television is one thing being part of the action on the television is something else and the beauty of the event is that no matter your standard of golf everybody has an equal chance of winning that trip of a lifetime”.

Patrick Turtle

“This competition is probably the best kept secret in handicap golf. From the first round of the Matchplay series to the qualifying rounds at Hollins Hall in Bradford to The Marriott Hotels resort in Egypt it was a roller coaster all the way. For excitement and competition Matchplay have got the balance just right and have given the handicap golfer what can be best described as the best memories I have had in golfing terms.

Not just do they provide an exciting competition but also provide worthwhile product that every golfer needs. Check out their website just to see what’s on offer and my advice while you are there don’t forget to enter the competition”

Frank McCarthy - Men’s Pairs - Grand Finalist 2010

"We entered not having a clue what it was all about. We thought "pay £20 have a good round of golf and gain some experience of another course!"

Little did we know! As we progressed, each game was a new and exciting adventure and we started to dream of getting to St Pierre. When we finished our round and discovered we could be going to Egypt I was speechless. This just did not happen to me. It was like winning The lottery.

Egypt was a unique experience. From our arrival and the bus trip down to the coast it was awesome! The accommodation was excellent, the resort superb, the Golf course beyond words... Our fellow competitors were such a friendly bunch I felt as if I was in a club environment. The organisation from yourselves again left us feeling relaxed and welcomed.

I have completed my entry for next year and I shall endeavour to see you in Dubai!"

Gordon Livingston - Men's Pairs Winner 2009

"To win is incredible and it’s not really sunk in yet. It's been a fantastic week and winning the competition is the icing on the cake. The course is a difficult test of golf, but one that can be enjoyed by any standard golfer. The hotel is superb and the weather fairly hot – but we knew that was going to be the case here in Egypt.

It has been a great experience and one that we will never forget. We played pretty well throughout the competition and coped well with the tough course set up on the final day…"

Ian Brandon - Men's Pairs Winner 2008/09

"The other players have been tremendous, all so friendly; it's like we've known each other for much longer than the few days we have been together.

We'll certainly be signing up for next year's competition as soon as we get back home and would urge others to do the same. We certainly can't argue with the value for money.

That's certainly the best £20 either of us has ever spent."

Steve Aylott - Mixed Pairs Winner 2009

"We've had a wonderful time and have really enjoyed playing the course.

It’s 7,100 yards long and is challenging for any level of player. This is now becoming one of the most popular competitions around - meeting great people, playing fantastic courses, and ending at one of the best golfing resorts in the world: all for £20…"

Lesley Misfud - Mixed Pairs Winner 2009

"I have made some wonderful friends, some of whom I know I will see again. We have all had fun both on and off the golf course together. They're such a great group of people.

The course is beautiful, like an oasis in the middle of the desert, surrounded by stunning backdrops. And the third hole, across water, is the most difficult par-three I have ever played."

Paul Fell - Mixed Pairs Runner Up 2009

"The hotel, golf, weather and food were all brilliant. We want to go back there as soon as possible. After a couple of days with the Sky Cameras filming us it was a little scary, but after a while, especially after a good shot, we were hoping the cameras were there! Bring on next year.

I know how hard it is to qualify but we know what a great prize we are playing for.Thanks again."

Michael Brockbank - Mens Winner 2008

"We were delighted to have won the competition, it surprised us how serious everyone took it, we were there to win but thought a few pairs might take the foot of the gas once they made the finals, but that just wasn't the case!

The tournament was extremely well run and James and I loved the whole experience, the Marriott Hotel was fantastic, the golf club and course were great and we met some great people along the way who we will keep in touch with. Fingers crossed for next year"

Gareth Whiles - Mens Finalist 2008

"We have had a fantastic time. The course is in great condition, the resort beautiful and its location spectacular. Everyone who was lucky enough to make the trip out here is a winner.

We are disappointed not to have won, but to be honest just to have made it here is a real achievement, and all for £20. We have had great fun and will definitely be taking part again next year."

Rob Vesty - Regional Final Runner Up 2008

"We have really enjoyed the championship and although we are disappointed to get so close to Grand Final in Egypt, we are proud to have made the regional final."

Wayne Livesey - Regional Final Runner Up 2008

"I have made some wonderful friends, some of whom I know I will see again. We have all had fun both on and off the golf course together. They're such a great group of people.

The course is beautiful, like an oasis in the middle of the desert, surrounded by stunning backdrops. And the third hole, across water, is the most difficult par-three I have ever played."